Volunteers begin renovations at Addams and McClernand

Schoolchildren at McClernand Elementary School in Springfield might be surprised when they return from break this fall to see the new library and playground equipment, among other things.

Lauren Leone-Cross

Schoolchildren at McClernand Elementary School in Springfield might be surprised when they return from break this fall to see the new library and playground equipment, among other things.

“All kinds of great things are happening across this building, so that when kids walk through the door this fall they will know their community cares about them, that this special place has been prepared for them,” said Melissa Sandel, executive director of Springfield Sharefest.

The not-for-profit profit initiative of West Side Christian Church is bringing much-needed renovations to McClernand and Jane Addams Elementary School.

“We made a wish list. We asked the teachers and staff to dream big, to imagine no limitations,” Sandel said.
Saturday marked Sharefest’s first day of the eight-day renovation project — one that wouldn’t be possible without a volunteers, donated materials and lots of hard work. Hundreds of volunteers showed up ready to go the first day. Sandel said she hopes 1,500 to 2,000 individuals end up helping out by week’s end.

The church selected the schools based on need. Many of the students are from low-income families and neither has a parent-teacher organization to provide what the schools cannot afford, Sandel said.

The majority of renovations are for McClernand, which needs an updated kitchen to comply with the county health code and a rehabilitated playground to meet safety standards. By day one, the school’s stage, which had been used as a makeshift office space for some time, began to look like a stage again — one that can be used for guest speakers and graduation ceremonies, Sandel said.

One of Jane Addams Elementary School’s biggest needs was adequate parking space for staff and teachers. The library’s flooring needs to be replaced as well. The labor and materials for parking were donated by two local companies, PH Broughton and United Contractors Midwest.

Kitchen renovations at McClernand are being overseen this week by Curt Trampe, owner of DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen in Springfield.

Trampe spent a few minutes Saturday afternoon walking two volunteers through the tile installation process before moving onto other kitchen projects. Those are extra hands he doesn’t take for granted.

“Sometimes their knowledge level is pretty extensive, and sometimes they’re eager and show up with a good attitude,” Trampe said. “I try to get people in the right place to give them a chance to be a part of the project. There are people from all different walks of life wanting to help out.”

Renovations include replacing wooden cabinets and counter tops with stainless steel — an update necessary for the school to comply with the county health code, Trampe said. Volunteers in the kitchen also spent Saturday repainting walls and installing new shelving and circulating fans.

All projects have experienced leaders like Trampe to ensure professional-level work, Sandel said.

Outside, afternoon volunteers continued the previous shift’s work in sanding down worn swing sets to be repainted, clearing debris from the surrounding fence and installing playground equipment. New basketball and soccer goals also will be added later this week.

When site leaders began the 1 to 4 p.m. shift assigning volunteers to particular jobs, Sue Mayes, 69, of Pleasant Plains swiftly shot her hand up when asked to work outside.

She spent the afternoon shoveling dirt and debris away from the playground fence and in other outdoor projects.

“I just love being outdoors and in such beautiful weather. My whole family is here, and they love it, too. When you work together, it’s that much more fun,” Mayes said. “We love to help the younger kids if we can, and what better project than doing it here? The children need it so bad. A little bit of dirt can go a long way.”

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